With a chance to clinch a post-season spot in the 2019-20 Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan Season, a surprising leader emerged from the Batangas-Tanduay Athletics.
Known for his tenacity on defense, Genmar Bragais displayed his offensive skills. He shot lights-out with 21 points on 8-of-10 shooting — including a perfect 4-of-4 from behind the arc — alongside three assists, two boards and a game-high plus-21.
More importantly, Batangas also booked a spot in the playoffs after overpowering Bacolod-Master Sardines, 63-54, Tuesday night at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay.
Prior to his offensive explosion, the AMA product was only averaging 4.5 points.
“Binigyan ako ng kumpyansa ng coaches na ipakita ‘yung laro ko kasi noong past games, nagsa-struggle ako eh. Nag-focus lang ako at sumunod lang ako sa coaches.”
Entering their bout against Bacolod, Bragais was shooting 13.3 percent from behind the arc, making only two of his 14 shots.
That’s why the 5-foot-11 two-guard himself felt surprised by his perfect shooting from downtown: “Pati ako nagulat eh. May halong swerte na rin siguro ‘yun.”
Athletics head coach Woody Co, though, expects his players to shoot whenever they are free, regardless of their shot percentage from the area.
“Everyone sa amin, we always encourage them to get better. Kahit sino sa amin may green light, you reap what you sow,” said Co.
In other games, San Juan-Go for Gold dominated Caloocan-Victory Liner, 111-88; meanwhile, Pasay clinched the last playoff berth in the North after beating Mindoro-JAC Liner, 84-72.
Story by Justin Valencia
Photo by Nicks Hernandez
